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Best personal loan rates for May 2025

Rates start at 6.49%

Updated May 16, 2025

The best personal loan rates start at 6.49 percent if you have stellar credit and income. However, according to a recent Bankrate survey, average personal loan rates sit at 12.26 percent, which is still much lower than average credit card rates above 20 percent.

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Best for first-in-class customer experience

4.6
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$50K
Min credit score
580

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for payday loan alternative

4.5
Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$35K
Min credit score
550

Best for online lending

4.7
Est. APR
8.99- 29.49%
with all discounts
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
650

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for paying off credit cards

4.5
Est. APR
8.95- 29.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$40K
Min credit score
640

Best for same-day emergency funds

4.7
Est. APR
7.90- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$40K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for little credit history

4.7
Est. APR
6.60- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$50K
Min credit score
300

PERSONAL LOANS

Unique secured loan options

4.6
Est. APR
6.99- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$50K
Min credit score
600

Best for home improvement loans

4.5
Est. APR
6.49- 25.29%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs*
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
695

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for vehicle-secured loans

4.3
Est. APR
18.00- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1.5k-$20K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for additional lender choices

4.1
Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$100K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for no fees

4.6
Est. APR
11.49- 20.49%
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$30K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Peer-to-peer lending

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k-$50K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for small loans

4.4
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-$37K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Best for debt consolidation

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 29.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$50K
Min credit score
620
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A closer look at our top lenders for personal loans

Our Bankrate experts put the top personal loan lender picks under a microscope to give you a better look at each. Before applying, consider each lender's strengths and weaknesses to see if they are the best match for your particular borrowing needs.

We outline what each lender excels at to help you find the best option for your needs.

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: While several lenders we reviewed offer loans to fair credit borrowers, most don't offer terms as long as 84 months. Upgrade caters to borrowers with scores as low as 580, and even offers a low loan amount minimum for smaller borrowing needs.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
580
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Secured and joint loans offered
  • Rate discounts
  • Low loan amount minimum
Cons
  • No payment date flexibility
  • Origination fee
  • Creditworthiness requirements not disclosed
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with low scores due to maxed-out credit cards may qualify for an Upgrade debt consolidation loan, putting them on track for a better credit score future. While several lenders we reviewed offer loans to fair credit borrowers, most don't offer terms as long as 84 months. It's also a good fit for people with busy work schedules, with access to customer service every day of the week. 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Avant sets its minimum credit score at 550, much lower than the 600 to 640 requirement set by other lenders. Avant's convenient mobile app and easy-to-navigate website also make it easier to stay on top of your payments and manage your loan details than other lenders on the market.

Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 9.99%
Pros
  • Administration fee is partially refundable if you repay your loan early
  • Seven days a week customer service available
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
Cons
  • High administration fee
  • High minimum APR
  • No co-signers or co-borrowers
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who don't qualify for the higher scores required by many other personal loan lenders and want to avoid the payday lending world may benefit from an Avant loan. You could spread the payment out for several years, and pay it off early with no penalty.

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: SoFi takes the spot as the best online personal loan for a number of reasons. For one, the lender offers the most robust portfolio of exclusive member benefits. It also hosts a fully online application and lending experience, as well as offering loans up to $100,000, higher than many of our top loan picks. 

Est. APR
8.99%–29.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
650
Est. APR
8.99%–29.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
650
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • High loan amount range
  • Lower minimum credit score
  • No fees required
Cons
  • Financial criteria not listed
  • No payment date flexibility
  • Higher APRs than other high loan amount lenders
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want a digital loan experience with bonus tools that help you improve your financial health and career path may want to check our Bankrate Awards pick for best online lender. SoFi's lower minimum credit score makes it a good alternative for a loan amount up to $100k if you don't meet LightStream's 695 credit score bar. 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Happy Money offers one loan — called the Payoff Loan — designed specifically for consolidating credit card debt. According to an internal Happy Money 2022 study, members who paid off at least $5,000 in credit card debt saw an average FICO score increase of 49 points within four months of getting their loan. 

Est. APR
8.95%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Est. APR
8.95%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$40k
Min credit score
640
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Specialized debt consolidation loan
  • Lower maximum APR than other lenders
  • Loan management tools on member portal and app
Cons
  • High minimum credit score
  • Longer funding turnaround
  • Can only be used for credit card debt consolidation
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with multiple credit cards who are ready to get off the revolving credit merry-go-round may appreciate Happy Money's dedicated debt consolidation loan product. An internal Happy Money 2022 study found members who paid off at least $5,000 in credit card debt saw an average FICO score increase of 49 points — which could help you snag lower rates on everything from car loans to homeowners insurance in the future. 

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: LendingClub started as a peer-to-peer lender in 2007, and has since evolved into a loan marketplace. If you’re struggling to find a lender that will let you borrow at a good rate, LendingClub offers joint applicant availability, which may help you score a lower rate. Plus it offers low amounts if you need a loan for a small expense, like new tires or kitchen appliances.

Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.90%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$40k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Funds may be available the day you apply
  • Joint loans allowed
  • Convenient mobile app
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • No autopay discount
  • High maximum rates
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with an unexpected large expense like an air conditioner replacement or new car transmission may get cash the same day they apply for a LendingClub loan. It may also be a good pick for debt consolidation, since the lender saves you hassle by making payments directly to your creditor. 

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upstart touts a unique approval criteria that includes education and employment and has helped more than 3 million customers. It also offers lower competitive rates that start below 8 percent. 

Est. APR
6.60%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Est. APR
6.60%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 12%
Pros
  • Flexible qualifying requirements beyond credit score
  • Competitive APRs
  • Bankrate Award-winner for bad credit loans
Cons
  • High origination fees compared to competitors
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Pricey maximum APRs
WHO'S IT FOR:

Upstart gives borrowers rebuilding credit or new to the credit world a chance to get a loan that's based on their work history and education. Excellent credit borrowers, on the other hand, may qualify for a rate below 7 percent — among the lowest of our featured lenders. 

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Best Egg has funded over 1.1 million loans since 2014, making it a well-established lender in the personal loan space. It's also one of the few lenders that offers secured loans for those who wouldn't otherwise qualify for a personal loan.

Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
0.99% - 9.99%
Pros
  • Wide array of secured loan options compared to competitors
  • Low APRs available for higher earners with good credit scores
  • Lower credit score minimum than many other lenders
Cons
  • Secured loans could put you at risk of losing your collateral
  • Origination fees may be steep
  • Terms are limited to between 36 and 60 months
WHO'S IT FOR:

Home and car owners may qualify for significantly lower rates with Best Egg's secured loan options. Highly qualified borrowers may be eligible for unsecured loan rates below 7 percent. 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: LightStream is a top choice for those with good credit who need to take out a large personal loan with a longer term to reduce monthly payments. Loans up to $100,00 and longer terms make a LightStream a fit match if you’re looking to consolidate large amounts of high-interest debt or finance a home renovation.

Est. APR
6.49%–25.29%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
695
Est. APR
6.49%–25.29%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
695
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Winner of Bankrate Award for best home improvement loan
  • High loan amount maximum and no fees
  • Offers a rate-matching program
Cons
  • High credit score minimum
  • No online prequalification
  • High minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

LightStream is for borrowers with excellent credit who need a large loan amount and a longer term to keep the payments as low as possible. Its minimum rates rival home equity loans, but you can receive funds the same day you apply — something that's not possible with any home equity product. 

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Overview: OneMain is one of a few lenders that offers same-day funding — but you may need to provide collateral. While it doesn't disclose a minimum credit score, OneMain does work with those who don't have the best of credit.

Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1% - 10%
Pros
  • Good secured loan options if you don't qualify for dealership financing
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • In-person service is available at 1,400 branches nationwide.
Cons
  • Expensive origination fees
  • High minimum APR
  • Limited loan amount range
WHO'S IT FOR:

Auto owners who want to cash in some of their vehicle's equity may find competitive terms if they choose a OneMain secured personal loan. You can add a co-applicant if you don't make enough to qualify on your own. 

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: Splash Financial works with a wide range of lenders within its network. This can make it easier to receive lender approval. Splash has relationships with a number of smaller banks and credit unions borrowers might not find elsewhere. But even with prequalification, the undisclosed acceptance criteria can make it difficult for poor credit borrowers to gauge acceptance.

Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$100k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$100k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Wide range of loan terms and loan amounts
  • Nationwide lender choices
  • Prequalification available
Cons
  • No mobile application
  • High fees and APRs
  • Approval requirements not disclosed
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want to expand their search to as many possible lending options as possible may find what they're looking for through Splash. Whether you need a small loan or up to $100,000, this lender marketplace may offer an option for you that fits your needs.

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: For borrowers with excellent credit who already bank with Citi, getting a Citi personal loan may be the easiest option among our lender picks. The bank helps borrowers save by offering an autopay discount and charging no fees. Citigold or Citi Priority customers can take advantage of additional discounts. 

Est. APR
11.49%–20.49%
Loan amount
$2k–$30k
Min credit score
Not specified
Est. APR
11.49%–20.49%
Loan amount
$2k–$30k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • One-year terms available (the shortest among featured lenders)
  • Autopay discount
  • No fees
Cons
  • Limited loan amount range
  • No joint applications
  • High minimum APR
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want to borrow money and pay it off within a year will find a 12-month term at Citi to accomplish that goal. The lender also doesn't charge any fees, so any money you borrow will go directly into your bank account. 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Prosper is Bankrates's 2024 award winner for best personal loan for borrowers with fair credit. Its unique history of starting as a peer-to-peer lender puts your application in front of multiple investors to give you more odds for approval. As well as allowing joint applicants, Prosper boasts a quick funding time and a good online experience. Plus, borrowers can change their monthly payment date — a benefit not many lenders offer. 

Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Joint applications allowed
  • Fair credit-focused
  • Payment date flexibility
Cons
  • Origination fee
  • High maximum interest rate
  • No rate discounts
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who can't get approved by mainstream personal loan lenders may benefit from Prosper's peer-to-peer marketplace. As well as allowing joint applicants, Prosper boasts a quick funding time and a good online experience. A bonus: You can change your payment due date with minimal hassle. 

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: LendingPoint is based in Atlanta and offers personal loans in 48 states and Washington, D.C. While some lenders with tighter credit requirements require a $5,000 minimum for personal loans, LendingPoint lets bad-credit borrowers take out as little as $1,000.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$37k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Repayment terms up to six years
  • Available in most states
  • Loan amounts as small as $1,000
Cons
  • High origination fee for some
  • Low maximum loan amount
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who need as little $1,000 to cover a small expense, consolidate a few high-interest-rate retail store credit cards or buy a new appliance may benefit from a LendingPoint loan. Borrowers with strong credit health may even qualify for a rate below 8 percent. 

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Formerly known as Freedom Plus, Achieve is a digital finance company that has become a trustworthy lender known for its flexible terms, discounts and rates. Unlike some of the lenders we review, it offers joint applications, which could earn you a lower rate or a bigger loan amount.

Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k–$50k
Min credit score
620
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Poor credit debt consolidation options
  • Fast funding
  • Debt management and financial health resources
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Expensive origination fees
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who don't quite meet Happy Money's 640 credit score minimum may qualify at Achieve with its lower 620 minimum score. You can also add a cosigner if you need a larger loan amount than you'd qualify for on your own. 

Calculate your loan payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

How to get a personal loan with Bankrate

You'll likely enjoy an easier application and approval process if you follow some basic steps to getting a personal loan.  Start by assessing what's most important to you in a personal loan. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How fast do you need the funds? Some lenders offer funds the same day you apply. Others may take several business days. 
  • How quickly do you want to pay the loan off? Can your budget handle the payment on a two- or three-year repayment term? Or is your goal to have the lowest possible payment with a longer term?
  • Is the loan part of a broader financial plan? Are you focused on increasing your credit scores by consolidating credit card debt? Are there home improvements that could boost your value without tying up your home's equity? 
  1. Check your credit score.

    Your credit score has the most impact on the personal loan rate you’re offered. You may want to wait to apply if it’s not in tip-top shape.

  2. Pick an affordable repayment term.

    Use a personal loan calculator to see how different terms, rates and fees could impact your budget. Be realistic about what you can afford.

  3. Get prequalified.

    Choose lenders that allow you to prequalify so you can compare rates without damaging your credit scores. You can start your prequalification application with lenders on this page that partner with Bankrate clicking “See offers” and filling out a short form. You can also apply for prequalification from a lender's website.

  4. Compare requirements, APRs and fees with at least three lenders.

    You can begin your search with lenders you prequalify with through Bankrate, or visit different lenders' websites if you don't find the terms you are looking for. Watch for fees — some lenders charge origination fees of more than 10 percent of the amount you borrow.

  5. Finalize your loan.

    If you see an offer you like on Bankrate, click "Continue" to complete a full application. Lenders may require pay stubs, tax documents or other additional documents to prepare your final loan documents. Review the final terms of your loan to make sure the fees and APR match your expectations.

  6. Get your funds and start making payments.

    Once you sign the loan agreement, the funds will likely be directly deposited within one business day. Consider signing up for automatic payments to make repayment easier.

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Personal loans vs. credit cards

Still not sure whether to opt for a personal loan over a credit card? Knowing the costs and benefits of each may help guide you in the right direction.

Personal loan pros Credit card pros Personal loan cons Credit card cons
Fixed rate and payment Minimum payment option No minimum payment option Average rates are higher than personal loans
Could boost your credit scores Balance can be reused Funds are not reusable Overuse could damage your credit score
Can be funded quickly May offer cash-back or travel reward options Fees may be as high as 10 percent of your loan amount Variable rates could change
Average rates lower than credit cards Payment is only based on amount you use Bad credit rates may be very high May charge annual fees
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Does it make more sense to borrow with a personal loan or a HELOC right now?


Nationally recognized finance expert

Recent spikes in mortgage rates may make personal loans a better choice than home equity loans. People with high credit scores may find personal loan rates as competitive as home equity loan interest rates. In addition, a personal loan isn’t secured by your home, which means you don’t have to pay it off when you sell your home, and don’t risk losing your home to foreclosure if you can’t pay it off.

Loans Senior Writer

Despite the record highs in home equity, I’d recommend personal loans as a better alternative for two reasons. First, they don’t tie up your home’s equity since they’re typically unsecured. That means you net more profit if you plan to sell your home soon and avoid the risk of losing your home if you can’t repay the HELOC. Second, you could keep using a HELOC over at least the first 10 years, reducing your housing wealth. A personal loan forces you to pick a repayment period with a definite end date. Homeowners who rack up credit card debt over the holidays may be better off using a personal loan for debt consolidation, too.

Frequently asked questions about personal loans

How we choose our best personal loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 40 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: